India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
